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Department of Health & Human Services

Posted on: November 13, 2014

Covered California enrollment starts Nov. 15

Saturday, Nov. 15 marks the start of open enrollment in Covered California insurance plans. Under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, all state residents—even those with pre-existing conditions and those unable to afford medical coverage in the past—can qualify for coverage.

The Affordable Care Act provides sliding-scale subsidies so all Americans can get health care coverage. One of the most important ways that consumers and small businesses will purchase health insurance is through state-operated marketplaces, like Covered California.

Today, more than 1.3 million individuals have coverage in a Covered California qualified health plan.

Individuals who do not have insurance and meet the income qualifications can enroll in Medi-Cal year round.

“Health insurance coverage is important because it permits individuals and families to receive preventative medical care and not have to rely on emergency medical care,” said Katherine Young, director of Social Services for the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services. “By enabling more individuals and families to obtain health insurance, the Affordable Care Act is a giant step in helping all Americans lead healthier lives.”

Community members who need assistance signing up can call Covered California toll free and speak to someone at its call center.

To help accommodate the call volume, the local Regional Call Center, which hosts six other smaller subscriber counties, will have extended hours during open enrollment. Calls to Covered California from local individuals will be handed off to the county’s Regional Call Center in Eureka.

Open enrollment runs from Nov. 15 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information, phone Covered California toll free at 1-800-300-1506. Phones are answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. From Nov. 15 through Dec. 15, phones will be answered for extended hours on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.